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Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) celebrates after making a three pointer during the second half of play at American Airlines Center in Dallas, on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 118-108. (Vernon Bryant/The Dallas Morning News)

Exactly one year ago, the Mavericks played in Portland and during the second half, Wesley Matthews pulled up in the backcourt after nothing more than a routine move and later found out he had a ruptured Achilles tendon.

His recovery has been nothing short of remarkable.

He was back in time to play at the start of the season, which nobody seriously expected. He also has been an improving player. While he had to drag his leg around at times early in the season, he's been much sharper in the last month and recent games have proven that he's very close to being 100 percent.

That won't happen until next season, of course. But he does have the look of a player on the rise.

Matthews has played nearly 200 more minutes than any other Maverick this season, living up to his nickname "The Ironman."

He's also averaged 15.5 points and shot 43.2-percent from 3-point range on the six-game home stand that ended Thursday.

"He's generated a lot of quality shots the last two or three games," Carlisle said. "He's a player who still is evolving and will make good on his promise to be better than he was (before the injury)."

Matthews, by the way, is a frequent late-night visitor to the Mavericks' practice court to get his extra shooting. He's also worked hard on his post-up game, which the Mavericks plan on utilizing when they can moving forward.